From School Library Journal
Grade 3-6-Maurer introduces popular non-team sports in five easy chapters. The writing is accessible to young readers, with a bit of the sports slang thrown in for fun. A brief history, equipment, techniques (tricks), and safety rules are included. The books also have "Rad Tip" sidebars, and Skateboarding has "Pro Spotlight" pages. The diagram in Skateboarding is helpful, but the one in BMX labels obvious items (helmet, gloves, jersey, knee pads). There are two pages dedicated to describing the parts and pieces of a BMX bike but they are not shown. The full-page color photographs in both titles depict mostly boys and young adult males engaging in the sports; only one girl BMX rider is shown. A female skateboarder is introduced on a "Pro Spotlight" page, but is not pictured. On the plus side, both volumes emphasize the importance of being careful and wearing safety gear. Both ESPN's X Games and the Gravity Games, which have helped propel these sports, are still going strong so these serviceable series entries are sure to be popular.
Diane Olivo-Posner, Long Beach Public Library, CA
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Diane Olivo-Posner, Long Beach Public Library, CA
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.
